Suit settled over Lithium Ion Battery : Matsushita (Panasonic Corporation of North America) and 3M have reached a settlement regarding a patent dispute involving lithium ion battery cathode materials which was the subject of a patent infringement suit filed in March 2007 against Matsushita, Panasonic Corporation of North America and other companies. Matsushita and 3M have executed a Settlement and License Agreement. Under this Agreement, Matsushita and Panasonic Corporation are now licensed sources of batteries. The specific terms of the settlement are confidential. 3M believes its cathode materials containing nickel, manganese and cobalt are an important technology for current and next generation lithium ion batteries.

3M Lithium ion batteries
Lithium ion batteries are a preferred source of power for laptop computers, mobile phones and portable electronic devices, and are an emerging source of power for battery-powered hand tools. In addition, 3M sees a promising future for its lithium-ion technology in transport applications such as hybrid electric vehicles.

About 3M batteries
Every day, 3M people find new ways to make amazing things happen. Wherever they are, whatever they do, the company’s customers know they can rely on 3M to help make their lives better. 3M's brands include Scotch, Post-it, Scotchgard, Thinsulate, Scotch-Brite, Filtrete, Command and Vikuiti. Serving customers around the world, the people of 3M use their expertise, technologies and global strength to lead in major markets including consumer and office; display and graphics; electronics and telecommunications; safety, security and protection services; health care; industrial and transportation.